Winterbourne Down horticulturist dies aged 102 (From Gazette Series)

Winterbourne Down market gardener Ida Cox dies at age 102

10:53am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Alexandra Womack

A WELL-KNOWN market gardener who lived her whole life in Winterbourne Down has died at the age of 102.

Ida Cox, who sold homegrown fruit and vegetables from her cottage on Church Road for many years, died at home on Saturday, March 9.

She was well known as the first woman to drive a tractor in the village and was a life member of Winterbourne Down Horticultural Society, having won countless prizes at the annual horticultural show. At one point she had 1,000 hens in her back garden and was a continual source of advice for budding gardeners.

Ida joined her parents’ greengrocers’ business after leaving All Saints’ School and was Winterbourne Down May Queen in 1921. Also a life member of Winterbourne Down Golden Circle, she always ate her own produce and was rarely ill having avoided visiting a doctor between the ages of 21 and 79.

In an interview with the Gazette to mark her 100th birthday in 2010, she said: “I have worked hard all my life. Even now I plant seeds and have help to transplant them.

“I suppose I am a bit of an expert, everybody seems to think so.”

With the help of friends and carers, she still sold her fruit and vegetables from her garage on Saturdays up until recently when her health deteriorated.

The funeral takes place on Wednesday, March 27 (2pm) at All Saints’ Church. All are welcome, donations to church funds.